Guadeloupe with your family : practical guide

Beaches and coconut palms in the tropics on one side, the discovery of the wild and tropical island in the footsteps of Christopher Columbus on the other side. The beauty of the string of uninhabited islands dependent on Guadeloupe will make you feel like an explorer lost in the midst of the splendour. You won’t have to choose, on this « island of beautiful waters » everything is possible!  Under the sea, in the air or on land, the ways to explore the island are infinite… It’s therefore no coincidence that Guadeloupe finds itself in Little Guest selection of the best family destinations in the Caribbean!

Less well known than Rio’s, the Guadeloupe Carnival is nevertheless worth the detour! This carnival owes its origin to the European settlers who brought this cultural event to the heart of the Antilles. For 5 consecutive days (from Shrove Sunday to Ash Wednesday), the inhabitants join the crowd to admire dancers and musicians, dressed in their most beautiful costumes, dancing and playing to the rhythms of the drums.  This colourful show certainly is not to be missed! No matter what time of the year, there will probably be a party that you will attend!

Guadeloupe is at the crossroads of different cultures (European, African, Indian and Amerindian). Its historical past continues to influence its culture and traditions. Between colonization and slavery, the Creole culture is the mirror of its history. Music, dance and song are inseparable: the inescapable zouk, the gwo-ka (traditional music played with drums), the quadrille (dance of the bourgeoisie) or the biguine (local dance played by an orchestra). On the markets, Guadeloupean crafts are celebrated in all their forms: jewellery, paintings, pottery, basketry, clothing, toys, etc. You will not leave Guadeloupe without bringing back a unique and original souvenir to the whole family.

Freshly disembarked from the airport, take the opportunity to discover the town of Pointe-à-Pitre. It’s a must for any self-respecting traveller. It has been labelled « City of Art and History » for its historical past. Take a stroll through the centre and walk through its shopping streets. Mark a minute of silence on the Place de la Victoire in homage to the slavery abolition. More cheerful and festive, the marina is the place to be where pubs, shops and nightclubs reign supreme. But not only that, it is the emblematic place that marks the endpoint of the Route du Rhum from Saint-Malo.

Get up at dawn so you don’t miss one of the must-sees of Guadeloupe’s heritage. A festival of colours, an explosion of tastes, a mix of spicy aromas will tickle your nostrils and fill your taste buds and pupils with delight. The warm atmosphere will allow you to get to know the locals. At the Basse-Terre market, you won’t be able to resist fruits and vegetables, spices, rum, ti-punch or local crafts. If you like freshly caught fish, you’ll find what you’re looking for at the marché de la Darse in Pointe-à-Pitre or the fish market in Saint-François. Always in Pointe-à-Pitre, the spicy, saffron or vanilla scents will take you on a journey through the spice market. And for the late-comers, the night market in Sainte-Anne will allow you to taste the best specialities of the Antilles until dawn. You will find markets all over the island. The less touristy markets that are worth the detour are outside Pointe-à-Pitre.

Located in the capital, it is the « Caribbean Centre for the Expressions and Memory of African Slave Trade and Slavery« . From the port, it is impossible not to notice the sober and futuristic architecture of this former sugar factory. But this « silver roots on a Black Box » designed on the principle of the black box only reveals its deep secrets once inside. Its permanent and temporary exhibitions will give you information about the historical periods that forged the history of the island. Its artistic creation space will invite you to discover Creole art in all its forms. Finally, cross the Morne de la mémoire, a 12-meter high footbridge, to arrive in the garden of all mysteries beauty.

The history of cocoa can be learnt in the course of an educational tour of the cocoa tree. Discover the expertise of the farmers who, like masters, extract all the flavours of freshly picked cocoa pods. From the laboratory to the sublime botanical garden of this ecomuseum, you will learn all about cocoa. With a reservation, the whole family will create their own chocolate bar during a fun and playful workshop.

The Cousteau reserve off the Basse-Terre coast is one of the most beautiful diving sites. It is renowned for the diversity of its coral reef and the richness of its biodiversity. But first of all, you will be entitled to the inevitable question from your curious kids: « Who is Commander Cousteau? ». A former French naval officer, Jacques-Yves Cousteau is a Jack-of-all-trades. A filmmaker and ocean explorer, he has introduced the general public to the sea world through his explorations, his inventions (the diving suit) and his film, The World of Silence. However, the less adventurous still have to be convinced to take the plunge. Three diving sites for beginners or experienced divers will allow you to discover the luxuriant aquatic fauna and flora of this exceptional place. Swimming among fish, turtles or next to dolphins, you will not stop dreaming. The journey starts from Malendure Beach in Bouillante. Once you’ve set sail, you won’t want to go back to the coast. Nearby, you will find the Centre de plongée des îlets specialised in first dives! Diving fan, other destinations are waiting for you! Follow the guide.

The magnificent beaches of Guadeloupe look like postcards. All have in common, an infinite expanse of white sand bordered by turquoise waters that make you want to laze on the beach all day long. The beaches are as instagramables as possible. On uninhabited islets such as Pigeon Islets, you won’t even need Photoshop since no filter is required! On the Basse-Terre side, Plage de Grande Anse near Deshaies is by far the most beautiful beach. From the beach to the rainforest, it’s only a step away! The undecided won’t have to choose. On the Grande-Terre side, Anse du souffleur in Port-Louis, a lively beach near a small fishing port, will seduce families. And when saffron shades adorn the sky, young and old alike will admire this colourful spectacle. Plage de la Caravelle in Sainte-Anne is also a very popular beach. In this beach of fine sand and coconut trees, you will not be able to leave the Antilles. Don’t miss either Souffleur beach in La Désirade or Pain de Sucre beach in the Saintes islands, less frequented and wilder.

Bordered by the Caribbean Sea to the west and the Atlantic Ocean to the east, Guadeloupe is perfectly situated to face the waves. With your neoprene wetsuit and your surfboard on, set off to conquer the best waves! From October to May is the ideal season to improve your right and left or just get started. Friend beginner, don’t stay in the line-up without daring to take the plunge. Head to the Sainte-Anne le Helleux spot where many surf schools including the Surf School of Guadeloupe will be able to train your kids from 12 years old. Ideal for beginners too, keep in mind the Bananier where experienced instructors will guide you to tame the waves of the beach break. To vary the pleasures, the Gosier Anse Vinaigri, seems to be ideal. This little-known spot combining reef and beach break areas is by far the best. Parents will be able to observe the impressive view of the Basse-Terre, the islands of Les Saintes and Gosier. You feel like taking it to the next level? Don’t miss Moule, a popular spot where many international competitions take place in winter. Also, try the hollow wave of Anse Bertrand or challenge the fearsome wave current of the Clugny spot. You still feel like taking the wave? Little Guest also offers you other trips under the sign of Sea, Surf and Sun.

You don’t need to be sporty to start the ascent of the Soufrière. Head to the picturesque village of Saint-Claude located 5 km from the starting point towards, no more and no less, the roads to paradise. During the excursion, open your eyes wide and look at the wildlife all around you. Admire the Guadeloupe Woodpecker, the reddish-black plumage bird that inhabits the rainforest of this majestic National Park. Say goodbye to it and reach the summit, the real thing this time, at 1467 m from its highest point. Don’t be impressed by the fumaroles emanating from the volcano, a great reward awaits you as you ascend. At the very top, make a stop to look at the incredible view on the Antilles, Guadeloupe and its archipelagos. On the way back, before heading out again, enjoy the natural hot springs of the nearby Bains Jaunes. Itinerary

Take the whole tribe from Petit Bourg to Pointe Noire through the mountain ranges. It is also called « Route des Mamelles » because of its two successive peaks: the peaks of Petit-Bourg and Pigeon. The 17 km crossing will take you on both sides of the Basse-Terre. The vegetation is lush and the fauna is impressive. On the way, make a refreshing stop at the Crayfish Cascade, a magnificent crystalline waterfall in the middle of the jungle. Continue to the Maison de la Forêt, where you can learn about the rainforest and its tiny creatures. Don’t forget your sandwich to enjoy lunch in the great outdoors at one of the picnic areas. The 17,300-hectare nature reserve will make your explorers think they’re Tarzan. Itinerary

Then go to the tree climbing adventure park Le Tapeur to defy the law of gravity. The view from the zip lines is breathtaking. From the suspended footbridges, huts and slides, they can touch pineapples with their fingertips and smell the delicious scent of orchids. And just opposite, Guadeloupe’s Zoo at the Parc des Mamelles in which 4 hectares of enchanting forest will come to beautifully close the road of the crossing. Your little ones will be able to get close to exotic animals out of the ordinary. Iguanas, raccoons, multicoloured parrots and jaguars will pass before their astonished eyes. Itinerary

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